Guardiola vs Solskjaer
In retrospect, Pep Guardiola’s set-up at Old Trafford for the Carabao Cup semi-final looks like a dress rehearsal for Real Madrid.
Sergio Aguero on the bench, and with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva effectively playing as “false nines”.
It wasn’t of course. Guardiola simply worked out a way to win both games, and they ended up looking similar.
At the Bernabeu, he used Gabriel Jesus on the left, to negate the threat of attacking right back Dani Carvajal – against United he had Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling wide, in a more attacking set-up.
The two managers trying to second-guess each others’ intentions is a fascinating aspect of this clash.
Foden's time
City fans have been awaiting the moment that Phil Foden made the transition from up-and-coming youngster to established star.
There have been false dawns before, notably the 1-0 win over Spurs last season, when he unexpectedly started.
But with David Silva departing in the summer, the moment of his graduation must be close.
Starting in a Wembley cup final was a strong indicator, and being left out of the midweek win at Sheffield Wednesday could be seen as another.
If Foden starts at Old Trafford, maybe the time truly has come.
Defence dilemma
With Aymeric Laporte out through injury, City’s defence remains a problem – with Fernandinho the only remaining centre back who has looked convincing.
John Stones did OK at Wembley but fluffed it with an inexplicable tumble which led to Aston Villa’s goal, so Guardiola’s trust in him is still wafer-thin.
Nicolas Otamendi played in the Carabao Cup win, but that was specifically for his aerial prowess and strength as City pressed United high – a similar tactic might seem him back in again.
What are the odds on Fernandinho and Rodri as a centre back pairing?
Closing on record
A win at Old Trafford would be City’s fourth consecutive away derby victory in the league.
But that would not be a record – the Blues’ excellent 1960s-70s team racked up five wins on the bounce at Old Trafford – the first in 1968, to set them on course for a league title, and the last a 3-1 triumph in 1972.
That period also marks City’s longest unbeaten run at Old Trafford, as they drew there 0-0 in 1973 and then beat the Reds 1-0 the following season as Denis Law’s famous backheel rubbed salt in relegation wounds.
Kun target
Sergio Aguero can join Francis Lee and Joe Hayes as City’s highest scorer in derby matches, if he bags a goal at Old Trafford.
He has nine, one behind Sixties star Lee and Fifties hero Hayes, and just two behind Wayne Rooney, whose 11-goal haul is the highest in Manchester derby history.
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